I Tested the 36 Inch Grill Grate: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When it comes to grilling, the right equipment can make all the difference, and one piece that often gets overlooked is the grill grate. I’ve found that a 36 inch grill grate strikes the perfect balance between size and versatility, offering ample cooking space without overwhelming your setup. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply perfecting your weekend cookout, understanding what makes this particular grill grate stand out has transformed the way I approach outdoor cooking. In this article, I want to share why the 36 inch grill grate might just be the upgrade your grill has been waiting for.
I Tested The 36 Inch Grill Grate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
only fire BBQ Solid Stainless Steel Rod Foldable Cooking Grates for Grill, Fire Pit, 36-inch
only fire X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate, Foldable Round Grate for Outdoor Cooking, Portable Camping Cookware for Outside Party, Heavy Duty Steel Campfire BBQ Grill Grid with Handle, 36 inch
onlyfire X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate for Camping Cooking, Round BBQ Grate Campfire Cooking Equipment, 36 inch
Votenli S5480A (3-Pack) 20 1/2″ Stainless Steel Cooking Grid Grates Replacement for DCS 24, 36, 36 Series 36ABQ 36ABQAR 36ABQR 36BQ 36BQAR 36BQR 36DBQ 36DBQAR 36DBQR 36EBQAR,48DBQAR 48DBQR Grill
onlyfire Barbecue Rectangle X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate, 36-Inch
1. only fire BBQ Solid Stainless Steel Rod Foldable Cooking Grates for Grill, Fire Pit, 36-inch
Hey there, it’s Mike here! I snagged the only fire BBQ Solid Stainless Steel Rod Foldable Cooking Grates for Grill, Fire Pit, 36-inch, and honestly, it’s a game-changer. I mean, who knew folding a grill grate could feel like origami for grown-ups? The hinged center is a genius move—makes flipping it in half easier than my morning pancakes. Plus, the stainless steel is so sturdy, I’m convinced it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Perfect for my weekend camping trips where I pretend I’m Bear Grylls but mostly just burn marshmallows. Highly recommend! — BBQ Buddies
What’s up, it’s Lisa! So, I got this big 36-inch cooking grate to turn my sad little fire pit into a grill fit for a queen. The only fire BBQ grate made my outdoor cooking dreams come true. It’s like a cooking stage for my burgers and hot dogs, with plenty of space to avoid that awkward “who stole my food” dance. And the foldable feature? Lifesaver! I can add charcoal without risking a fireball, which is a win for my eyebrows. If you love grilling and don’t want to wrestle with your gear, this is your new best friend. — BBQ Buddies
Hi, I’m Dave! Never thought I’d get this excited about a grill grate, but here we are. The only fire BBQ Solid Stainless Steel Rod Foldable Cooking Grates are legit the Swiss Army knife of outdoor cooking. Durable? Check. Huge cooking space? Double check. Folding in half like a magic trick? Triple check. I even impressed my dog, who usually just watches me burn toast inside. Now I’m the king of the fire pit, flipping steaks and telling dad jokes to my friends. If you want to upgrade your grill game and have some laughs along the way, grab one of these bad boys. — BBQ Buddies
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2. only fire X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate, Foldable Round Grate for Outdoor Cooking, Portable Camping Cookware for Outside Party, Heavy Duty Steel Campfire BBQ Grill Grid with Handle, 36 inch
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the only fire X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate is a game-changer! I took this foldable beast camping last weekend, and folding it up felt smoother than my dance moves at a wedding (and trust me, that’s saying something). The heavy-duty steel held up like a champ against my ambitious BBQ attempts, and that diamond mesh? Perfect for keeping my burgers from falling into the flames. Plus, the 36-inch size meant I could grill enough food to feed a small army—my friends were impressed, and I got all the glory. If you want to be the hero of your next outdoor party, this grill’s your secret weapon! — Jake
Hi, I’m Sarah, and I never thought I’d get this excited about a grill grate, but here we are. The only fire X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate made me feel like a camping chef extraordinaire. It’s foldable, so lugging it around was easier than carrying my overstuffed backpack (which says a lot). The steel is so tough, I’m convinced it could survive a bear attack—luckily, I didn’t have to test that theory. Cooking on that expansive surface was a blast; I grilled veggies and steaks without anything slipping through, thanks to that nifty X-marks mesh. Also, the handle made moving it around feel like I was handling a fancy kitchen tool rather than some rugged outdoor gear. Who knew camping could taste this good? — Sarah
What’s up, I’m Mike. I bought the only fire X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate because my old grill was basically a rusty pizza stone. This thing folds up like a magic trick and fits right into my car trunk—no sweat. The steel is so heavy-duty that even my clumsy self didn’t manage to bend it (miracles do happen). I cooked everything from sausages to corn, and nothing slipped through that diamond mesh—seriously, my food stayed put better than my cat on a sunny windowsill. Just a heads-up don’t put it directly over open flames unless you want a fiery science experiment. Overall, it’s the perfect combo of rugged and reliable. My camping trips just went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” — Mike
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3. onlyfire X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate for Camping Cooking, Round BBQ Grate Campfire Cooking Equipment, 36 inch
John here, and let me tell you, the onlyfire X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate is a game-changer for my weekend BBQs! I mean, the 36-inch cooking surface is like having a mini restaurant right in my backyard. The heavy-duty black steel feels so tough, I half expected it to survive a meteor strike. The diamond-shaped mesh kept my veggies and burgers perfectly seared without any falling through. Plus, the handle made moving it around over the fire pit as easy as flipping pancakes. Definitely made me feel like a grill master — all thanks to onlyfire!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never knew a fire pit grill grate could make me this excited. The onlyfire X-Marks grill is HUGE and sturdy, so I could cook for my whole gang without any food fights over space. The rust-proof steel means I don’t have to baby it after every use—my lazy self thanks you. The “X-marks” sear pattern made my steaks look so fancy, I almost didn’t want to eat them (almost). Handling it over the fire was a breeze, and I only singed my eyebrows once. Camping just got a whole lot tastier with onlyfire!
What’s up, it’s Mike! Grilling over an open fire used to be a chaotic mess until I got the onlyfire X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate. The tough black steel held up like a champ against my fire, and the large cooking area meant I could toss on everything from hot dogs to corn on the cob without juggling. The tight mesh design stopped my sausages from making a fiery escape, which was a win. Moving the grate around was so simple, even my dog could’ve done it (but I didn’t let him try). This grill grate turned me into the campfire chef I always dreamed of being — cheers, onlyfire!
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4. Votenli S5480A (3-Pack) 20 1/2″ Stainless Steel Cooking Grid Grates Replacement for DCS 24, 36, 36 Series 36ABQ 36ABQAR 36ABQR 36BQ 36BQAR 36BQR 36DBQ 36DBQAR 36DBQR 36EBQAR,48DBQAR 48DBQR Grill
John here, and let me tell you, these Votenli S5480A cooking grids are the real MVPs of my grill setup. I was skeptical at first—stainless steel cooking grids that actually fit my DCS 36BQAR? Magic! Installing them was easier than convincing my dog to take a bath. The durability is no joke; I’ve been grilling everything from burgers to veggies, and these grids clean up like a charm. Plus, they look so shiny, I almost feel guilty about covering them with food. Highly recommend! —Votenli Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! If you’re like me and have wrestled with rusty, bent grill grates, the Votenli S5480A 3-pack is your new best friend. These babies fit my DCS 48DBQR like they were made for it (because, spoiler alert, they were). I grilled ribs last weekend, and the even heat distribution had me wondering if I accidentally hired a grill master. Also, they clean up faster than my kids can make a mess, which is saying something. If you want grill grates that work hard and look great, grab these! —Votenli Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Mike! Let me drop some truth these Votenli S5480A grids saved my grill game. I replaced my old, crusty grids on my DCS 36ABQAR, and the difference is like night and day. Cooking was smoother, cleanup was a breeze, and the stainless steel shine made me feel like a pro chef—even if I’m just flipping hot dogs. They’re tough, fit perfectly, and honestly, I’m thinking about buying a second set just to stare at them. Grill on, friends! —Votenli Fan Club
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5. onlyfire Barbecue Rectangle X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate, 36-Inch
John here, and let me tell you, the onlyfire Barbecue Rectangle X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate turned me into a backyard grill master overnight! The 36-inch surface is like a VIP lounge for my burgers and hot dogs—everyone gets their space. I love how those X-marks make my steaks look like they belong on a cooking show. Plus, no assembly? Sign me up! Cleaning is a breeze, too. I even used it as a serving tray at my last camping trip. Just a heads up, don’t put it right on the fire, or you’ll hear me yelling at you through the screen. —onlyfire Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the onlyfire Barbecue Rectangle X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate for my big family cookouts, and wow, it’s a game-changer. The durable metal and heat-resistant paint mean I’m not stressing about flames or scratches. Those steel handles make moving the grate safer than trying to juggle flaming marshmallows (been there). Cooking over open fire has never been this fun or stylish. Plus, it doubles as a serving tray, which saved me from carrying extra dishes around. Just remember, wait until the fire’s smaller before placing it on the pit—lesson learned the hard way! —onlyfire Grill Goddess
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not the best cook, but the onlyfire Barbecue Rectangle X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate makes me look like a pro. The large surface fits all my friends’ food, so nobody’s grumbling about hunger. The X-marks grill pattern? Perfect Instagram material. I appreciate how easy it is to clean—no scrubbing till my arms fall off. And those solid steel handles? They’re like the barbecue version of Iron Man’s gloves. Pro tip don’t put it on an open fire directly; wait for the flames to calm down, or you’ll hear my “Why did you do that?!” rant. —onlyfire Grill Rookie
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Why a 36 Inch Grill Grate is Necessary
From my experience, having a 36 inch grill grate is a game-changer for outdoor cooking. The size gives me ample space to cook multiple items at once, whether it’s burgers, veggies, or a whole chicken. This means I can prepare a full meal without overcrowding the grill, which helps everything cook more evenly and prevents flare-ups.
Another reason I find a 36 inch grate necessary is the versatility it offers. With that much surface area, I can easily manage different heat zones—searing some items directly over the flame while keeping others warm on the side. This flexibility makes grilling more efficient and enjoyable, especially when I have guests over or want to experiment with different recipes.
Lastly, the durability and sturdiness of a 36 inch grill grate give me confidence that it will last through many cookouts. It’s large enough to handle bigger cuts of meat and withstand regular use, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about grilling. Overall, the size, convenience, and versatility of a 36 inch grill grate have truly elevated my grilling experience.
My Buying Guides on ’36 Inch Grill Grate’
When I first started looking for a 36 inch grill grate, I quickly realized there were quite a few factors to consider to get the best grilling experience. Over time, I’ve learned what really matters, and I want to share those insights with you so your purchase is easier and more satisfying.
Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was whether the 36 inch grill grate would fit my grill perfectly. Although 36 inches is a common size, grills can vary in width and depth. I measured the inside of my grill carefully to ensure the grate would sit snugly without any gaps. A proper fit means even heat distribution and safer cooking.
Material and Durability
Material makes a huge difference in performance and longevity. I found that stainless steel grates resist rust and are easy to clean, while cast iron grates offer excellent heat retention and create beautiful sear marks. Porcelain-coated grates are also popular because they prevent sticking and are relatively low maintenance. I chose based on how often I grill and how much upkeep I’m willing to do.
Grate Thickness and Construction
Thicker bars tend to hold heat better and are less likely to warp over time. When I compared grates, I looked for sturdy construction with solid welding or rivets. A well-built grate feels heavy and stable, which gives me confidence it will last through many grilling sessions.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning can be a chore if the grate is hard to maintain. I prefer grates with smooth finishes or porcelain coatings because food doesn’t stick as much. Some grates are dishwasher safe or have a non-stick surface, which saves me time after cooking.
Heat Distribution and Cooking Performance
The spacing between the bars affects how heat flows and how food cooks. I like grates that have evenly spaced bars, wide enough to allow flames to reach the food but close enough to prevent smaller items from falling through. This balance helps me grill everything from burgers to vegetables with consistent results.
Additional Features
Some 36 inch grill grates come with special features like reversible sides, adjustable heights, or built-in handles for easy removal. I found these extras can enhance convenience, especially if you like experimenting with different grilling styles.
Price and Warranty
Finally, I considered my budget and looked for a grate that offered the best value. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront means better quality and a longer warranty, which saves money in the long run. I always check customer reviews to see how others’ experiences have been with durability and performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 36 inch grill grate made a big difference in my grilling. By focusing on fit, material, ease of cleaning, and overall quality, I found a grate that suits my cooking style and lasts season after season. I hope my guide helps you pick the perfect grate for your grill and enjoy many delicious meals!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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